McDonald’s has today introduced a vegetarian Happy Meal to its UK menu for the first time in the company’s history.

The fast-food chain also brought out a new Spicy Veggie Wrap on the main main to cater for the growing number of children and parents following meat-free diets.

The new additions coincide with this year's Veganuary with record numbers going meat free throughout the month of January.

Working with the Britmums network and Vegetarian Society, McDonald’s invited parents and their children to select the final flavour.

County Times:

The tasters selected the Red Pesto Goujon wraps, which have been accredited by the Vegetarian Society and are all also dairy free.

Mum of two Frankie Bridge, the former member of girl group The Saturdays, was one of the first customers to try the new vegetarian wrap option.

She said: “Having more meal options that the kids enjoy makes my life all the easier and the Veggie Happy Meal wrap flavour was literally chosen by children, so I know it’s something that my son Parker will love too.

“I think it’s important that our diet is varied and full of choice, and for me at the moment, this means introducing more meat free meals."

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The two new vegetarian wraps catering to adults and children are:

  • Happy Meal Veggie Wrap – 209kcal, made with a red pesto goujon with tomato ketchup and shredded lettuce wrapped in a soft, toasted tortilla, priced £2.49
  • Spicy Veggie Wrap – 364kcal, made with two red pesto goujons, a dressing of spicy relish with tomato, lettuce and red onion all wrapped in a soft, toasted tortilla, priced £2.99

Lynne Elliot, chief executive of the Vegetarian Society said: “We’re really proud to have worked closely with McDonald’s for over 10 years and it’s great to see their veggie menu developing, especially as McDonalds tell us a third of their customers think it’s important to eat more veggie meals. "There’s a growing demand for veggie food everywhere and it’s fantastic to see McDonald’s meeting the needs of their customers.

"It is especially important for young veggies to be able to choose something to eat when they are out with their friends."

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